Through plenty of research. First and foremost, confirm that the organization meets all compliance and regulation standards in the industry. The Better Business Bureau, user reviews from trusted sources such as Google, accreditations and positive recognition are all helpful resources. It is important to make sure that your moving company has a valid Department of Transportation (DOT) number on the FMSCA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) official website, as this is a requirement for all commercial carrier vehicles.

When choosing a cross-country mover, it is also important to have a thorough quoting process. Home surveys are particularly important to get a realistic view of what the move will entail. We have compiled a list of things you may want to ask cross-country movers concerning the specific costs associated with a long-distance move.

We’ve shared a few more ways to ensure the legitimacy of a moving company, such as checking on online presence, industry recognition and more.

Yes, we can. In a move of any distance, but especially one with a long-distance destination, your moving company must be adaptable to manage any unforeseen circumstances. With Suddath, there is no need to stress when a change of plan arises.

Much like our 120,000-square foot storage warehouse in the Ft. Lauderdale area, we have similar facilities across the nation that accommodate short- and long-term storage needs quickly and efficiently.

Some features include:

• Storage in transit (SIT) if your new destination isn't quite ready
• Temperature-controlled storage
• Climate-controlled storage option for humidity-sensitive items

Learn more about our storage options on our page detailing how we can help with long- and short-term storage.

By managing 50,000 moves per year, Suddath has acquired a wealth of knowledge to assist customers with all kinds of moving questions. From using our detailed moving checklist that provides an overarching timeline for your entire move, to more detailed documentation such as moving with kids specifically, your dedicated move coordinator can help you devise a plan that works for you.

Getting your house organized is an important step. Determining which items will be relocating with you, what items you can sell, and what you can donate will help you pare down the contents for easier inventorying.

Understanding what can be transported on a moving truck is also helpful. By law, there are certain items that are considered “non-allowables” that we cannot load onto the truck. Things like paint, chemicals, flammables and more fall under this category. For a detailed list, check out our blog here.

Summer is peak moving time for obvious reasons – lighter family schedules in some instances, minimal disruption to the school year when moving with kids, the ability to take more vacation time and pleasant weather (hopefully!).

However, there are some things to consider when choosing a summer move:

• Cost is a top factor – peak days in summer moves may cost more because of availability and demand. Being flexible with your dates could have a positive effect on your budget.
• Weather, or hot summer weather in this case, can also pose some concerns, which may be magnified when moving throughout the southern region of the country (such as Ft. Lauderdale). Take necessary precautions to minimize any problems – make sure all your belongings are dry before they’re packed away (no damp towels or clothes) as well as considering the health of your family members. After all, moving is strenuous; the heat can certainly exacerbate that.

With Suddath’s origins being in the sunny, hot Florida climate, we can offer plenty of advice on summer month moves here.